Effect of Carica papaya (paw-paw) seeds ethanolic extract on the pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid glands of male wistar rats

Abstract

Activity of Carica papaya seeds extract on the pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid glands of rats were investigated. The ethanolic extract of C. papaya seeds (50 and 200 mg/kg) was administered orally daily to sexually mature male wistar rats for one and eight weeks. Histology of pituitary and thyroids were prepared. The thyrotrophs (TSH cells) of anterior pituitary showed progressive hypertrophy and degranulation at high dose levels of 200 mg/kg for one and eight weeks respectively. Acidophils somatotrophs (STH cells) and Lactotrophs or prolactin cells (LTH/PRL cells) showed no significant changes in both the experimental groups as compared to control. However, the thyroid glands of rats that were treated with 200 mg/kg extract showed pronounced hypertrophy, hyperplasia and degranulation with many empty follicles devoid of colloid. The parathyroid glands appeared normal. These observations showed possible side-effects of the C. papaya seeds in rats.


KEY WORDS: Carica papaya, pituitary, thyroid, prarthyroid, wistar rats.


Global Jnl Pure and Applied Sciences Vol.10(4) 2004: 515-517